Franco and I are headed south. Franco has an idea in his head to explore the wines of Texas. It is not a bad idea. (I bet he secretly wants to try one of Debbi Covington’s Tex-Mex recipes, which is also not a bad idea.) While driving, Franco asked me why I write about wine. Has not every wine and winery in the world had something written about it? The answer is probably “yes.”

Bestselling novelist and cookbook author PAT CONROY discovers a world class Italian restaurant on a corner in downtown Beaufort.

When Pat Conroy called to ask if he could write a review of his favorite local restaurant for Lowcountry Weekly, we were honored and thrilled. Pat tells us this is the first restaurant review he’s ever written. We think the kid has a bright future ahead of him. – Editor

The best restaurant in my history in Beaufort opened quietly in January at the corner of Carteret and Craven streets. It is called Griffin Market, which makes it the worst named Italian restaurant I’ve ever heard of in my life. Its food is glorious and it is, by a long shot, the best Italian food ever served in South Carolina. The chef is the inimitable Laura Bonini and she received her classical training at Galileo’s in Washington, DC.

I would like to present a discussion of the wines of Washington State that concentrates on the leading varietals. These varietals are a mix of red and white wines. As best as I am able to determine, the leading varietals are (red) Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.